Rhymes with Otis Music

Piano/Keys/Writing/Arranging

I'm a critically acclaimed keyboardist who has played, written and arranged for multiple Grammy- and Oscar-winning artists and producers. I've been featured in Keyboard Magazine, and been privileged to record and tour with a wide array of incredible artists, including Marc Cohn, Joshua Radin and Toby Lightman. I look forward to working with you!

"Josh is an amazing keyboardist. He came into our session very prepared, worked quickly and efficiently and got the job done. Working with many musicians in my career, he was one of the best I've come across. He brought the music to another level. I consider him to be one of the top rising keyboardists in the music business." - Steve Augello, RCA Records

"One to watch." - Newsweek

"Josh is an awesome musician with an instantaneous ear for the parts. The only thing that rivals his playing ability is his personality." - David Lindland, Raine Recording

"Josh is first of all a fantastic player with chops for days. But what really sets him apart as a musician is his very musical sensibility and ability to serve the goals of the song. On top of that, his professionalism and cheerful humor make every session a pleasure. Josh has a permanent place on our sideman short list." - Devon Copley, Angelhouse East Studios

"My husband Don presented me last night with this most beautiful song that you made for me. It is the most wonderful thing that I have ever received. I will cherish it forever." - Connie D., Ashburn, Ontario

I love working with Josh! What he does with my music is perfect. He's an amazing piano player and with this track he also put down some strings which fit perfectly with the piano track. I can't say enough positive things about working with Josh. Always a pleasure! Thanks Josh!

Another amazing performance! Josh delivers perfect performances every time on the first pass. The track that Josh did for me was so perfect. If you're reading reviews trying to decide whether to work with Josh or not, stop reading and just do it. You will not be disappointed. Thanks again Josh!

amazing!! it was a pleasure to work with Josh!
I totally recommend him!
very talented, he understands exactly where you want to go with your song and brings the best to put your tune to the next level!!
Can't wait to work with him for more tracks!!

Josh delivers a perfect performance again. I fully trust Josh with my music. He is an amazing piano player, total professional and a genuinely nice person. If you're reading reviews looking for a piano player, stop reading and contact Josh. You will not be disappointed.

Josh is great to work with. Total professional and his playing is beautiful and always perfect the first time. He took the basic song I had and took it to the next level. I can't imagine working with anyone else if I ever need piano on a song. He'll always be my go-to guy. Thanks again Josh!

Josh truly respects music. He has shown the commitment and dedication that only belongs to real artists. He deeply understands my music and the outcome is beyond amazement. Not only does he have such genius musical talents, he truly CARES and GIVES. I'm so grateful. And how in the world did he manage to finish with such high quality so fast!

Josh is great to work with. I gave him my song with the freedom to add his personal touch and it came out perfect. I absolutely love what he did with the song. Amazing player and a really nice guy. Thanks Josh!

Josh is THE man. I use him on my productions as much as I possibly can. Hire him if you need the best.

Interview with Rhymes with Otis Music

Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?

A: I've been playing piano and keys professionally for 24 years. I started out as a singer-songwriter and the leader of my own band: the piano-pounding, now-retired Josh Dodes Band. We recorded three albums, toured all over the country, and were featured on VH1's Emmy-nominated hit series "Bands on the Run." (This was a great thing for me, but if you watched it, I hope you realize those are hours you're not going to get back at the end of your life.)
Starting in 2004, I switched gears and decided to become a sideman and session player, which I truly love. I find it a lot more interesting and satisfying to help support a wide array of other artists than only working on my own music. I have had the opportunity to play live, music direct, or record with a huge range of outstanding artists over the last several years: Marc Cohn (Decca Records), Toby Lightman (Atlantic Records), Julian Velard (Virgin Records), Joshua Radin (Columbia Records), The Alternate Routes (Vanguard Records), Mieka Pauley, Shawn King (Lofton Creek Records), Ari Hest (Columbia Records), Karen Jacobsen (Kurly Queen/Bonza Records), Grant Green, Jr. (Jazzateria Recordings), and many, many more.
I love recording, writing, and arranging for other artists' records.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: More often than not, when I am playing piano or keyboards on someone else's song, my goal is to add richness and texture to the music, while remaining simple and unobtrusive. No matter what kind of song I'm working on, I’m always trying to answer the same musical question: “How can I best serve the song and support the singer?”
For more on this topic, and examples, please see my feature in Keyboard Magazine, "Strategies for Supporting Singer-Songwriters": https://www.scribd.com/document/88867531/Keyboard-April-2012

Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?

A: Robert Smith, an extraordinary, Oscar- and Grammy-winning producer/engineer/mixer whom I feel fortunate to collaborate with on a regular basis. He's the best at what he does. https://soundbetter.com/profiles/641-robert-l-smith
Nicki Gonzalez, a killer singer with amazing chops and a sensational ear. https://soundbetter.com/profiles/13790-nicki-gonzalez